NFL Week 16

[Galaril]

Here is a poll to see who you think wins in the two bigg NFL 1 vs. 2 matchups in the AFC AND nfc.

[Galaril]

How do you add a poll again?:banghead:

[GrantDawg]

First, you cut a hole in the box.

[Galaril]

First, you cut a hole in the box.

lol smartass:)

[sabotai]

More like NFL Week FAIL, amirite!?

[Galaril]

More like NFL Week FAIL, amirite!?

Ssibalnom!

[Raiders Army]

You can still edit the first post and add a poll.

[EagleFan]

I think he took his poll and went home.

[MIJB#19]

You got to love that Giants-Panthers game, where the winner clinches home field advantage in the playoffs.

[MIJB#19]

NFL Playoffs clinch scenarios for week 16:

AFC
1 Tennessee Titans 12-2
2 Pittsburgh Steelers 11-3
3 New York Jets 9-5
4 Denver Broncos 8-6
5 Indianapolis Colts 10-4
6 Baltimore Ravens 9-5
7 Miami Dolphins 9-5
8 New England Patriots 9-5
10 San Diego Chargers 6-8

The Houston Texans can't get past Indianapolis or Baltimore on whatever possible scenario, thus are eliminated.

Tennessee Titans
*clinched division and bye week
*clinch homefield advantage with win
*stay alive for homefield advantage with loss or tie

Pittsburgh Steelers
*clinched division and bye week
*need win or tie to stay alive for homefield advantage

New York Jets
*cannot clinch division in week 16
*cannot be eliminated for division title with a loss

Denver Broncos
*clinch division with win or tie or San Diego loss or tie

Indianapolis Colts
*clinch wild card with win
*clinch wild card with tie + NY Jets loss or tie + Miami loss or tie
*clinch division with Miami loss + NY Jets loss


NFC
1 New York Giants 11-3
2 Carolina Panthers 11-3
3 Minnesota Vikings 9-5
4 Arizona Cardinals 8-6
5 Dallas Cowboys 9-5
6 Atlanta Falcons 9-5
7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-5
8 Philadelphia Eagles 8-5-1
9 Chicago Bears 8-6
10 Washington Redskins 7-7

The Washington Redskins are just barely alive for the last wild card (the first wild card is out of reach due to the remaining Dallas-Philadelphia game). They need to win their last two games, need both Tampa Bay and Atlanta to loss their last two, Chicago to loss one of their last two (or tie both) and need Philadelpia or Dallas to fall behind them in the divisional standings.

The New Orleans Saints can't get finish better than 3rd inside their division while the Dallas-Philadelphia game puts the NFC East runners-up out of reach, thus the Saints are eliminated.

New York Giants
*clinched division
*clinch home field advantage with win
*clinch bye with tie or Minnesota loss or tie

Carolina Panthers
*clinch division with win or tie or Atlanta loss or tie + Tampa Bay loss or tie
*clinch home field advantage with win
*clinch bye with tie or Minnesota loss or tie

Minnesota Vikings
*clinch division with win or tie + Chicago loss or tie or Chicago loss
*are alive for bye week
*are eliminated from home field advantage due to Giants-Panthers game

Arizona Cardinals
*clinched division

[Crim]

I'm not sure if anyone else has said it, but I like the work you put into those playoff scenarios, MijB.

Or, if you just copy/paste it from somewhere, I appreciate that you do so.

w/e.

[Radii]

Its an odd situation for Carolina where a win clinches them the #1 seed and home field throughout the playoffs in the NFC, but at the same time they have not even clinched a playoff spot yet.

[Alan T]

Its an odd situation for Carolina where a win clinches them the #1 seed and home field throughout the playoffs in the NFC, but at the same time they have not even clinched a playoff spot yet.

Carolina has to play at the Giants and at New Orleans.

I don't know if it is a safe bet that Carolina even makes the playoffs. That isn't necessarily the easiest schedule remaining in the NFC. One interesting thing to remember is so far this year in the NFC south, every single home team has won. Carolina's season could end up riding on trying to break that trend.

[Alan T]

Carolina has to play at the Giants and at New Orleans.

I don't know if it is a safe bet that Carolina even makes the playoffs. That isn't necessarily the easiest schedule remaining in the NFC. One interesting thing to remember is so far this year in the NFC south, every single home team has won. Carolina's season could end up riding on trying to break that trend.

dola.. I have spent a good part of this week trying to figure out what the tiebreaker would be between Atlanta and Tampa Bay if both teams win out. Anyone know? THey would have identical records, 1-1 vs each other, identical conference records and identical division records.

[Radii]

I don't know if it is a safe bet that Carolina even makes the playoffs. That isn't necessarily the easiest schedule remaining in the NFC. One interesting thing to remember is so far this year in the NFC south, every single home team has won. Carolina's season could end up riding on trying to break that trend.


I'm definitely worried about an 11-5 finish.

But, to miss the playoffs would require Dallas, Atlanta, and Tampa to all three win out and finish 11-5 as well. Dallas hosts Baltimore and is at Philly, while Atlanta is at Minnesota this week. I think the odds of Carolina missing the playoffs entirely are not high at all.

If they don't win the division and have to go on the road in the first week of the playoffs, my expectations will not be very high at all.

[MIJB#19]

I'm not sure if anyone else has said it, but I like the work you put into those playoff scenarios, MijB.

Or, if you just copy/paste it from somewhere, I appreciate that you do so.

w/e.Thanks. there's no copy and pasting here, just looking at the standings and applying scenarios and tie-breakers.

[Alan T]

I'm definitely worried about an 11-5 finish.

But, to miss the playoffs would require Dallas, Atlanta, and Tampa to all three win out and finish 11-5 as well. Dallas hosts Baltimore and is at Philly, while Atlanta is at Minnesota this week. I think the odds of Carolina missing the playoffs entirely are not high at all.

If they don't win the division and have to go on the road in the first week of the playoffs, my expectations will not be very high at all.


Two weeks ago I had figured Atlanta was good for a 2-2 finish. They ended up winning the Tampa Bay game that I figued they would lose, but I also figued Minnesota would be a tough game and possibly a loss as well since Atlanta has to travel up to the Vikings to play.

I really was hoping the Giants would actually win a game that I wanted them to. Every single time I actually root for the Giants they lose.. and they lost again this last week to the Cowboys when I really wanted them to win. So knowing my luck, I am pretty sure that Carolina will end up beating them too.. so you're probably right you won't have to worry about it :)

[MIJB#19]

dola.. I have spent a good part of this week trying to figure out what the tiebreaker would be between Atlanta and Tampa Bay if both teams win out. Anyone know? THey would have identical records, 1-1 vs each other, identical conference records and identical division records.Let me double check that.

[Radii]

dola.. I have spent a good part of this week trying to figure out what the tiebreaker would be between Atlanta and Tampa Bay if both teams win out. Anyone know? THey would have identical records, 1-1 vs each other, identical conference records and identical division records.

It'd come down to the "Strength of Victory"

Both teams would have finished exactly the same vs the NFC South, NFC North and AFC West, leaving only the other two games against NFC Competition in play.

Atlanta would have beaten St Louis (and lost to Philadelphia).

Tampa would have beaten Seattle (and lost to Dallas).


Currently, Seattle is 3-11, while St Louis is 2-12.

St louis plays San Francisco this week, and Atlanta in Week 17. By definition the Atlanta game would be a loss. If St Louis beats San Francisco this week, and Seattle loses out, then they'd have the same record, making Strength of Victory the same.


That would take us to the next tiebreaker, Strength of Schedule. The only other difference in the schedule is that Tampa played Dallas, while Atlanta played Philadelphia, and the division would be decided based on who has a better record between Dallas and Philly.


So it appears that the difference, while marginal, puts the tiebreakers fairly heavily in Tampa's favor.

[Radii]

dola, hopefully MIJB and I will come to the same conclusion, as I figured that myself and am not 100% sure I'm correct.

[MIJB#19]

dola.. I have spent a good part of this week trying to figure out what the tiebreaker would be between Atlanta and Tampa Bay if both teams win out. Anyone know? THey would have identical records, 1-1 vs each other, identical conference records and identical division records.The key here is common games. That's the third tie-breaker after head-to-head and in-division games. After that come the in-conference games.

Inside a division, common games are basically the record in games against one entire AFC division and one entire NFC division (okay, technically in-division games are included too, but because they were already used in the previous tie-breaker, they have no value in this tie-breaker). This season that's against the AFC West (Denver etc) and NFC North (Minnesota etc).

Atlanta is currently 6-1 (+ game vs Minnesota)
Tampa Bay is 5-1 (+ games vs San Diego and Oakland)
(6-1 beats 5-1, hence Atlanta having tie-breakers right now.)

Fwiw, Carolina finished that series 7-1, so if Atlanta and Tampa Bay win out, the three (or two) will be tied there.


If teams still end up tied after these common games, we go down to the conference games. And that's where Carolina would be the unlucky third ranked team, behind Tampa Bay and Atlanta (both would be 8-4), with Carolina only 7-5.

Between Tampa Bay and Atlanta it then goes down to strength of victory. Because of the many common opponents, it will be based on the number of wins of the uncommon beaten teams. Between Tampa Bay and Atlanta that would be:
Atlanta: St Louis (week 17 opp)
Tampa: Seattle
Seattle is currently 1 win ahead of St Louis. Factor in that week 17 game and Atlanta would need St Louis to win in week 16 and Seattle to lose both their remaining games to remain tied, otherwise Tampa Bay goes ahead in the 11-5 each scenario (note that in 10-6 and 9-7 situations it would be Atlanta going first of these two).


If for some reason Atlanta and Tampa Bay are both 11-5 AND both St Louis and Seattle are 3-13, then it will go down to strength of victory.

In that case they both have one more team to root for.
Atlanta: Philadelphia
Tampa: Dallas
If Dallas wins more games than Philadelphia, Tampa Bay wins this, If Philadelphia wins more game than Dallas, Atlanta wins this. So yeah, that Philadelphia tie (counting as 1/2 win) has tie-breaker potential for Atlanta.

If that still ends up tied, well, we'll take another look at it. :D

[MIJB#19]

Hey, I think we have the same conclusion, Radii!

Edit, okay, almost, it looks like you left out the common games scenario.

[Alan T]

Thanks for all of that effort Radii and MIJB. That is good information.

Any idea what happens if Tampa, Carolina and Atlanta all end 11-5? Since they would all be 1-1 vs each other and division records would all be 4-4, it then would go to common opponents before the conference records?

Assuming they all end 11-5, it would mean also common opponents would end up 7-1 for all three teams too though.. so then conference records would be next and Carolina would lose that one?

So if all three end 11-5, it would end up being:

1) Tampa
2) Atlanta
3) Carolina?

[Alan T]

I think Tampa has a decent change at beating San Diego, and fully expect them to beat Oakland, so I don't think 11-5 is a stretch for them at all. Carolina I could see losing 1 of the 2 games (Giants and Saints left), and wouldn't be suprised to see them lose both of them. However I have a feeling Carolina will go 1-1 and beat the Saints which would also give them the division tiebreaker over Tampa and Atlanta.

I think Atlanta should beat St. Louis, and I hope they beat Minnesota, but I don't think that it will be an easy game and wouldn't be suprised to see them lose that.

So even though my heart is hoping for Atlanta to make it.. I have a better thought that it will end up:

Carolina 12-4
Tampa 11-5
Atlanta 10-6

Which means for Atlanta to make the playoffs, they then have to beat out the Cowboys who have games left vs Baltimore and the Eagles. I wouldn't be suprised to see the Cowboys split those meaning I also have to look at tiebreaker scenerios between Dallas and Atlanta to which Dallas would win on (I think)..

So I'm not getting my hopes up.. but I sure am hoping (if that makes any sense!)

[MIJB#19]

Thanks for all of that effort Radii and MIJB. That is good information.

Any idea what happens if Tampa, Carolina and Atlanta all end 11-5? Since they would all be 1-1 vs each other and division records would all be 4-4, it then would go to common opponents before the conference records?

Assuming they all end 11-5, it would mean also common opponents would end up 7-1 for all three teams too though.. so then conference records would be next and Carolina would lose that one?

So if all three end 11-5, it would end up being:

1) Tampa
2) Atlanta
3) Carolina?That would be the most likely order.

As I said above, Carolina would be 3rd, no matter what. Whatever happens, tie-breakers will put both Atlanta and Tampa Bay over Carolina, both in the race for 1st place and for 2nd place between the remaining teams.

1st would likely (not definately) be for Tampa Bay. Atlanta only can win the division in a three-way 11-5 tie if: Seattle loses their last two games AND St Louis wins in week 16 AND Philadelphia ends up winning more games than Dallas.

[Radii]

Thanks for all of that effort Radii and MIJB. That is good information.

Any idea what happens if Tampa, Carolina and Atlanta all end 11-5? Since they would all be 1-1 vs each other and division records would all be 4-4, it then would go to common opponents before the conference records?

Assuming they all end 11-5, it would mean also common opponents would end up 7-1 for all three teams too though.. so then conference records would be next and Carolina would lose that one?

So if all three end 11-5, it would end up being:

1) Tampa
2) Atlanta
3) Carolina?


Yup. Carolina can not win a tiebreaker over either Atanta or Tampa(or over both in a 3 team tie) b/c of conference record. Caroilna beat Denver and lost to Minnesota, where both Tampa and Atlanta would have beaten Minnesota and lost to Denver, should they end up in a 3 team tie.

It is not impossible for Atlanta to win the tiebreaker over Tampa, but it would require St Louis to beat San Fran this weekend, Seattle to lose its final two games, and Philadelphia to end up with a better record than Dallas. So most likely, yeah, Tampa, Atlanta, Carolina in that order.



I don't dislike Atlanta as much as I did when Vick was QB and when I was living in Atlanta, but I will be rooting heavily for Minnesota to beat Atlanta this weekend. It would be nice to get the whole playoff birth thing out of the way at 1pm and not have to worry about Carolina possibly missing the playoffs when the Sunday night game rolls around :)

[Alan T]

I didn't realize the Eagles had as good of a record as they did. For some reason I was thinking it was a down year for them. But at 8-5-1, it could be possible they end with a better record then Dallas. They play the redskins next and then end the season with the Cowboys.

I guess that final Eagles vs Cowboys game could be very important to my hapiness

[Lathum]

As crazy as it is to say this about an 11-3 team I really thin this game is a must win for the Giants.

Losing three in a row will kill their confidience and mojo. You can excuse the last 2 losses, all the drama 2 weeks ago the losing on the road to a division opponent, but they need to step it up and win a big home game. If they don't the New York media is gonna be brutal and the questions will start to get worse.

Obviously they are in the playoffs either way, but for their own well being they need too prove they can win a big game with the current guys they have.

[MIJB#19]

I hear ya, Lathum. The Giants can't be feeling too happy going into the playoffs with losses to likely upcoming opponents. Dallas could be the divisional opponent and Carolina would be the most likely Conference championship game hosts.

[Crim]

dola.. I have spent a good part of this week trying to figure out what the tiebreaker would be between Atlanta and Tampa Bay if both teams win out. Anyone know? THey would have identical records, 1-1 vs each other, identical conference records and identical division records.

BCS rank.

[MIJB#19]

BCS rank.Wouldn't both be eliminated by now, then? ;)

[Jas_lov]

The Giants also have to play at Minnesota the last week. If the Vikes win this week and the Giants lose, the Giants will be in danger of losing that bye week to Minnesota. I agree that it might be a must win for them.

[MikeVic]

Go Steelers!

[stevew]

Our wonderful local affiliate is showing the stains bungles game this weekend. I'm hoping they will pull that abortion off and show the steelers titans game, but I'm not holding my breath.

[JeeberD]

Dear god, I forgot that the Cowboys are playing on Saturday. My wife's boss is having his annual Christmas party on Saturday. Of course, last year he had the Giants-Pats game on in the back room, so hopefully I'll be able to sneak away and catch most of the game...

[Logan]

Dear god, I forgot that the Cowboys are playing on Saturday. My wife's boss is having his annual Christmas party on Saturday. Of course, last year he had the Giants-Pats game on in the back room, so hopefully I'll be able to sneak away and catch most of the game...

You have 3 days to find her a new job.

[Matthean]

This week we get to find out how Detroit finds a way to screw up against a team that is 1-6 on the road and isn't trying to get into the playoffs anymore.

[larrymcg421]

Dolphins just need to win two more for the division. Alternate scenarios is going 1-1, and the Pats and Ravens both lose 2.

The Pats need either the Dolphins or Jets to lose this week to have a shot at the divisiion. Then they need the team that doesn't lose (if only one does) to win in week 17. And of course, they need to win both of their games.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Pats also get in by winning out and the Ravens losing one.

[Fighter of Foo]

Interesting (http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2008/12/wednesday-whys-11/).

"
Why are so many players being placed on Injured Reserve now?

This is a time when teams shelve players with, ahem, season-ending injuries. With two weeks left, teams know the league is not going to scrutinize these injuries too closely.

The primary reason for so many IR placements now – yesterday the Lions and Jaguars each put three players on the list – is so teams can take a look at younger players, especially players on their practice squads. Practice-squad players are going to be free agents in a few weeks, so this is an effective way to sign them now before they become available to every team. And by signing these players, teams will have their exclusive rights for three years at bargain-basement prices.

Further, players signed now will not receive a minimum salary credit for 2008. Thus, a player signing for the 2008 first-year minimum of $295,000 will only make the 2009 first-year minimum of $310,000 next year. This is a common practice by NFL teams, bringing up players at the end of the season for little to no financial risk and saving themselves a minimum salary credit for 2009 in the process.

Finally, vested veterans that are released at this time may not even choose to file for termination pay with only two games’ salary left. Termination pay can only be claimed once in a career, so players released this week and next must think seriously before taking that claim on 2008 salary for fear they may miss out on a bigger windfall later in their career."

[Thomkal]

I just hope my beloved Cards actually start playing like a playoff team rather than what they did against the Vikings last week. Of course they have to travel to New England so the likelihood of them playing well is not good.

[Alan T]

I just hope my beloved Cards actually start playing like a playoff team rather than what they did against the Vikings last week. Of course they have to travel to New England so the likelihood of them playing well is not good.

I actually think as long as the weather cooperates, this is the perfect game for Arizona to get confidence from. New England is a playoff contending team (ie: no pushover) that just has a horrendous secondary and all kinds of matchup issues with Arizona's receiving crew. If there was a team out there that could help Arizona's confidence before the playoffs, it would be a team like New England.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Looks like there will be a chance of snow for the Cards-Pats game as well.

[BishopMVP]

NFL Playoffs clinch scenarios for week 16:

AFC
1 Tennessee Titans 12-2
2 Pittsburgh Steelers 11-3
3 New York Jets 9-5
4 Denver Broncos 8-6
5 Indianapolis Colts 10-4
6 Baltimore Ravens 9-5
7 Miami Dolphins 9-5
8 New England Patriots 9-5
10 San Diego Chargers 6-8

Indianapolis Colts
*clinch wild card with win
*clinch wild card with tie + NY Jets loss or tie + Miami loss or tie
*clinch division with Miami loss + NY Jets lossEven if you mean wild card in the last line, I don't think that's right - NE and Baltimore could both win out and leave the Colts at home if they lose 2 straight, or go 0-1-1.

[Thomkal]

Looks like there will be a chance of snow for the Cards-Pats game as well.

great, just great

[Thomkal]

I actually think as long as the weather cooperates, this is the perfect game for Arizona to get confidence from. New England is a playoff contending team (ie: no pushover) that just has a horrendous secondary and all kinds of matchup issues with Arizona's receiving crew. If there was a team out there that could help Arizona's confidence before the playoffs, it would be a team like New England.

If not the offense I'm worried about against New England, its the defense. They have just completely fallen off the cliff defensively in recent weeks and I'm not sure why as they have no real major injuries. So they likely will score a lot-like they did in the Jets game after being embarrassed early on, but still lose.

[EagleFan]

Even if you mean wild card in the last line, I don't think that's right - NE and Baltimore could both win out and leave the Colts at home if they lose 2 straight, or go 0-1-1.

But in that scenario and with the Dolphins and Jets losing it gives the Patriots the East and Indy get the 2nd wild card behind Baltimore.

[BishopMVP]

But in that scenario and with the Dolphins and Jets losing it gives the Patriots the East and Indy get the 2nd wild card behind Baltimore.Aaaah, right you are Sir. :redface:

[JAG]

For Lathum:

Zac (MN): Who is your MVP and Coach of the Year?

SportsNation KC Joyner: MVP has been a tough pick this year but I'm going with Brandon Jacobs. The Giants offense simply isn't the same when he isn't in there.

[JeeberD]

Woohoo! Johnnie Lee is going to get his first start on Sunday!

Injuries force wide receiver Higgins into Raiders' spotlight (http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-injuries-force-wide-receiver-higgins-into-raiders-spotlight-/2008/12/20/3870803.htm)

(That was for you, RA)

[EagleFan]

Didn't realize this was the last game ever in that god-awful stadium in texas.

[Radii]

CHOICE!!! I am loving him having some success here lately.

[Rizon]

Is this game not televised on the West Coast or one of those NFLNetwork games? I can't find it anywhere on any channel.

[gstelmack]

Yeah, looks like NFL Network.

[EagleFan]

Yeah, it's on the NFL network.

Romo is really showing his post season form...

[EagleFan]

lol, I love it!!!

Gotta hand it to the Cowf*&$ers defense, they got their offense back on the field quickly each time.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[EagleFan]

Get out the demolitions, time to bring that dump down.

[Radii]

Gotta hand it to the Cowf*&$ers defense, they got their offense back on the field quickly each time.

The tackling on those two TD runs was hilarious, as was watching that fullback rumble 80+ yards down the field.


Dallas losing officially clinches a playoff spot for Carolina, hooray!

[Buccaneer]

Very happy to see the Cowboys lose.

[EagleFan]

Anyone else hear Homor Simpson in their heads on each of those runs?

Doh!!!

[stevew]

Omg. The ending was priceless. Probably the last 2 backs if expect to go for 70 plus. Still not sure if it was better than the moss tds on Monday night a few years back

[Jas_lov]

The Ravens have knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs. This is a team that was a lock for the superbowl and now they're about ready to implode.

[Senator]

I am SHOCKED! Someone with Eagle in their handle making over the top hatred comments!!

Be glad you cannot see the Farewell show live on TV here, it is the most poorly run event ever. I have seen better organized riots.

And just a postscript. Anyone who called Veteran's Stadium home cannot call ANYPLACE else a dump. I played many high school playoff games here, I don't think it is a dump.

[Eaglesfan27]

Very happy to see the Cowboys lose.

Me too. That ending really was great to watch.

[Buccaneer]

I still have jas_lov on ignore. I bet he said something stupid.

[Senator]

I still have jas_lov on ignore. I bet he said something stupid.

He did. He said he was very happy to see the Cowboys lose.

[Racer]

The Ravens have knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs. This is a team that was a lock for the superbowl and now they're about ready to implode.

I'd prefer seeing Dallas miss the playoffs, but I think Dallas still has hope. ESPN said Dallas can still make the playoffs if

They win @Philadelphia next week and

Tampa Bay loses their next two games (home games to San Diego and Oakland)

or

Atlanta loses @Minnesota tomorrow or to St. Louis next week.


So basically Dallas will control their own destiny again if Atlanta loses to Minnesota tomorrow.

[Jas_lov]

That's not much hope. Dallas will have a tough time winning in Philly. Tampa ain't losing to the Raiders. If the Falcons win tomorrow, it's over for Dallas and Wade Phillips' job.

[EagleFan]

I am SHOCKED! Someone with Eagle in their handle making over the top hatred comments!!

Be glad you cannot see the Farewell show live on TV here, it is the most poorly run event ever. I have seen better organized riots.

And just a postscript. Anyone who called Veteran's Stadium home cannot call ANYPLACE else a dump. I played many high school playoff games here, I don't think it is a dump.

lol, over the top hatred comments? That's not over the top hatred. Now if you want to see over the top hatred...

:devil: :devil: :devil: :devil:

[Northwood_DK]

I don’t hate Dallas and would have preferred to see them self-destruct in the first round of the playoffs instead. I’m just glad this almost secured the Patriots will not make the playoffs this season.

[RedKingGold]

All NFC eyes will be on Tampa Bay v. San Diego and Atlanta v. Minnesota. If either San Diego or Minnesota win, then next week's Dallas v. Philadelphia becomes a playoff game.

[Alan T]

Really glad that Baltimore won. Now the Falcons just have to pull out the win vs Minnesota. I don't think this will be an easy game for the Falcons, but it is amazing to me to think that the Falcons could be one win away from having a good shot at getting in the playoffs and they hold their own fate in their hands.

[Thomkal]

Hmmm not often I get to see my beloved Cards play here in South Carolina unless they are playing Carolina. So why we are getting the Cards/NE game here is strange, but I won't complain. But I have the feeling I'm not going to want to watch for very long...

[SirFozzie]

Ouch. This makes the road for the Pats really hard. One of the two has to happen for them to make the playoffs even if they win out now.

A) The Ravens lose next week against Jacksonville at home
B) One (or both) of the Jets and Miami must lose this week
C) If only one of the Jets/Miami lose, that one must beat the other when Miami and NY play next week.

[Big Fo]

Cold weather (~12° F) in Kansas City today, if I were watching Countdown instead of soccer I'm sure there would be some ominous statistic about the Dolphins' historical record once the temperature drops below a certain point.

[EagleFan]

Wow, not even a response/comment from Cowboys fans? Have the slithered away with their tail between their legs already?

[Neuqua]

Go Falcons!

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Philly fans seem quite gracious this year.

[Jas_lov]

They're just jumping on a hated rival when they're down like any fan would. Neither Dallas nor Philly will beat the Giants in the playoffs so it doesn't matter much anyway. And that's if they get to the playoffs. I believe Atlanta and Tampa control their own destiny.

[duckman]

Wow, not even a response/comment from Cowboys fans? Have the slithered away with their tail between their legs already?What is there to say? They have no heart, no toughness, no grit....nothing. They make one bone headed play after another. They commit one penalty after another. Their offense is so simplistic that the Ravens were running the receivers' routes. They made no adjustments until it was too late. Even then, they couldn't execute consistently. The defense played well most of the game, but they still can't do a basic textbook wrap up tackle. Everything is damn shoulder tackle! Quite frankly, they don't deserve to go to the playoffs. They have squandered their talent and opportunity.

[Alan T]

The Good: Watching the patriots vs Cards in the snow. I love, absolutely love watching a good snowy football game like this.. This is great!

The Bad: I am stuck listening to Kenny Albert for the game.. Is there any announcer with a more annoying voice doing football games currently?

[Logan]

The Good: Watching the patriots vs Cards in the snow. I love, absolutely love watching a good snowy football game like this.. This is great!

Agreed, a game instantly becomes 20x as entertaining in the snow.

[EagleFan]

Agreed, a game instantly becomes 20x as entertaining in the snow.

Agreed. I think I would even watch a game between the Lions and Raiders if it was in the snow. ;)

[Thomkal]

And just the start the Cards needed, 3 and out, give up a big runback. *sigh*

[EagleFan]

What is there to say? They have no heart, no toughness, no grit....nothing. They make one bone headed play after another. They commit one penalty after another. Their offense is so simplistic that the Ravens were running the receivers' routes. They made no adjustments until it was too late. Even then, they couldn't execute consistently. The defense played well most of the game, but they still can't do a basic textbook wrap up tackle. Everything is damn shoulder tackle! Quite frankly, they don't deserve to go to the playoffs. They have squandered their talent and opportunity.

Good enough, you pass. :)

[EagleFan]

dola: FTR, and any fan from the Philly area can confirm this, my (our) hatred for the Cowboys and their fans is based strictly on the band wagon fans that exist in area. Fans who have no connection to Dallas and only cheer for them because they saw them winning at some point (or those who feel the need to "stand out" and know they will get more attention by being a Cowboys fan). These fans are obnoxious to the nth degree and come out from under the rocks once the Cowboys look like they are doing well. At the beginning of the season they were out inforce wearing their Dallas stuff all over the place and never resisting the urge to comment at anyone wearing Eagles green. Now they are all turtling back into their shells and are nowhere to be seen. You saw Eagles green at the beginning of the season, inthe middle when things were not going well and still today. You see Cowboys gear only when it looks like things are going well for them.

I enjoy giving it to all Cowboys fans, and expect to get it in return. With Cowboys fans who actually ave a connection to the team it's all in fun (it is sports after all).

[Jas_lov]

The Cardinals have no chance to win this game. At least I get Pitt-Tennessee for my other early game. I just wish Nantz and Simms would shutup. Big Ben is nowhere near MVP caliber this year.

[EagleFan]

The Cardinals have no chance to win this game. At least I get Pitt-Tennessee for my other early game. I just wish Nantz and Simms would shutup. Big Ben is nowhere near MVP caliber this year.

Haven't flipped to that one yet. Are they actually saying that? Haven't the Steelers been winning some of these games in spite of Big Ben?

[DeToxRox]

Ben just got killed. What a vicious two shots on one play.

[Thomkal]

Thigpen, who probably has never experienced anything close to the kinda weather they are getting in KC, atones for an early INT with a 30+ yard TD.

[Izulde]

Thigpen, who probably has never experienced anything close to the kinda weather they are getting in KC, atones for an early INT with a 30+ yard TD.

:(

Miami needs to win!

[DaddyTorgo]

FINALLY we here in New England get a Falcons game this week!!!


GO MATTY!!!!

[EagleFan]

Wow, just saw the fumble replay in the Titans/Steelers game. Surprised the refs didn't call it a TD.... ;)

[Alan T]

FINALLY we here in New England get a Falcons game this week!!!


GO MATTY!!!!


It's the third Falcons game we've gotten this season.. but I agree fully. The Falcons should be the national game every week :D

[Thomkal]

*sigh* Cards should just go straight to the airport at halftime

[EagleFan]

Cards are looking like a one and done playoff team. What has been going on with that team snce Thanksgiving? It looks like the Lions could beat them the way they have played since then. I don't really see much news from that team. Did they have some key injuries or something?

[Galaril]

Huge momentum swing for the Titans. The Steelers with afirst and goal at the 4 but two negative runs, and Big Ben getting his clock rung fumbles:) Now the Titans have the Steelers backed up at the Steeler 3. Also, it looks like Harris is out of the game.

[Jas_lov]

Boldin is out today. Not sure if they're missing anybody else. Have the Cardinals beaten a team with a winning record this year or have they just beaten on the horrid NFC West? Someone has to win that atrocious division.

[Alan T]

Arizona is just looking horrible. I can't really add to what anyone else is saying.. just they aren't even looking competitive..

Their playcalling is horrible - Why not try to mix things up a bit more.. so far every single play call has been easily predictable

Their blocking is horrible and their tackling on defense is worse. They need to learn quickly how to get their feet under them to support better in the poor field conditions..

Even their special teams are bad.

[DaddyTorgo]

It's the third Falcons game we've gotten this season.. but I agree fully. The Falcons should be the national game every week :D

hmmm - well okay. but the first one in what seems like forever. i do recall seeing one earlier (the one he won in the last seconds i think). and the other one i don't remember.

[Alan T]

hmmm - well okay. but the first one in what seems like forever. i do recall seeing one earlier (the one he won in the last seconds i think). and the other one i don't remember.

I know at least one of the weeks it was on the same time as the Pats game, so I can understand why you wouldn't have watched it like I did. :) I think the two were the Bears and the Broncos games.

[DeToxRox]

A heads up for Pierre Thomas owners .. Deuce is seein a lot of carries vs the Lions.

[Buccaneer]

dola: FTR, and any fan from the Philly area can confirm this, my (our) hatred for the Cowboys and their fans is based strictly on the band wagon fans that exist in area.

I'm not from the Philly area and my hatred is not geared at the fans, hardcore or bandwagon. It is at Jerry Jones, Wade Phillips and TO. I grew up with the Cowboys being the enemy (being a Redskins fan in the 1970s/early 1980s) but they commanded respect. Not any more and if those three would leave, then I would respect them again.

[EagleFan]

The Cards beat the Dolphins week 2 but that was before Miami really started to believe they could win. Take their 6 divisional games out of the mix and it is wuite a differentstory, not their fault they are in a bad division though as they're just playing the games on their schedule.

You could probably make an arguement that the 6 NFC playoff teams should come from the East and South (or 5 of them at the least). ;)

[EagleFan]

Go Chargers!!!! :D

[Thomkal]

Cards have -1 yards now in the 2nd quarter. They have not been hit badly by injuries since Boldin was hurt in the Jets game. They are just a mediocre team that have taken advantage of an awful division. They have zero running game, and just cannot expect their passing game to carry them every game. And especially in the second half of the season, their defense and special teams have been lousy.

[DeToxRox]

You know why Ben has so many 4th Quarter wins this year? He is horrible the first 3 quarters and thankfully for him his D keeps it close so he can finally have a good drive late to win it.

He is so god damned overrated.

[SirFozzie]

Anyone got a screenshot of the pats game with how hard its snowing? being 15 minutes outside of Foxboro, I want to show a west coast friend how bad it is

[Thomkal]

Meanwhile KC has 2 fumbles and a INT and are somehow ahead of Miami after a Tony Gonzales TD pass.

[Galaril]

You know why Ben has so many 4th Quarter wins this year? He is horrible the first 3 quarters and thankfully for him his D keeps it close so he can finally have a good drive late to win it.

He is so god damned overrated.


This might come back to haunt them one of these times.

[DaddyTorgo]

You know why Ben has so many 4th Quarter wins this year? He is horrible the first 3 quarters and thankfully for him his D keeps it close so he can finally have a good drive late to win it.

He is so god damned overrated.

this is a very astute point

[Thomkal]

Cards can't even stop NE on a 4th and 10 when Cassell runs for 16 yards. Why the heck were the Patriots going for it on 4th down anyway?

[SirFozzie]

because they can't kick a 46 yard FG in this snow, and a coffin corner punt would only net them nine yards anyway if if went in to the end zone.

you will see teams go for it in the "orange zone" in this game

[Thomkal]

yeah but they are up 21-0 who cares how many yards they get on the punt

[Thomkal]

correction 28-0. Bring in Leinart

[SirFozzie]

apparently Mr Scrooge is reffing the Pats game.

Snow Angel? BAH HUMBUG! (unsportsmanlike conduct penalty)

[Thomkal]

Man Chiefs-Dolphins game is wild. Miami just scored to go back on top 24-21

[Izulde]

Man Chiefs-Dolphins game is wild. Miami just scored to go back on top 24-21

Go Dolphins!!!! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Go Chargers!!!! :D

Yes! What an ending to the first half :)

[DaddyTorgo]

31-0 Pats at the half

[SirFozzie]

At this point, we might see Kevin O'Connel for the third period, and Kevin Faulk running the WildPat offense in the fourth ;)

[DaddyTorgo]

Fozzie - stealing my humor? (okay okay - WildPats was yours - but the Kevin's were mine)

[SirFozzie]

Well, at this point we could put Kevin from Scituate in at QB and still be pretty secure!

KC Leads! What the hell. 51 points in -14 degree wind chill :D

[SirFozzie]

The defenses in the KC/MIA game are saying "What? Are you fucking nuts? It's -15 wind chill and you want us to try to tackle folks? Fuck that noise! We're going to stay here by the heater!"

[Thomkal]

And here I thought Thigpen might have a lot of trouble playing in cold weather...

[SirFozzie]

That's just embarassing for the Cardinals.

[DaddyTorgo]

that's the literal definition of "untouched"

[Eaglesfan27]

Ugh. Tampa Bay up 24-20 on some horrible pass coverage.

[mauchow]

I'm forced to watch this horrible game on CBS while there are two much better games going on. Fox doesn't even have a 12:00 game going on here in Wisconsin. Bah!

[RainMaker]

As a Bears fan, I've been rooting for all the scenarios that would help them get in the playoffs. It is amazing that out of the 10 games I've had to root for a team in to help the Bears, the other team has won. Not sure if they're unlucky or not, but the scenarios are getting slim to none.

[Thomkal]

what the hell is Kurt Warner still doing in this game?

[Galaril]

I'm forced to watch this horrible game on CBS while there are two much better games going on. Fox doesn't even have a 12:00 game going on here in Wisconsin. Bah!
I too am stuck watching the Patsies play the Cards ugh 41-0 with 9:00 minutes in 3rd Q whhile the Titans are up in a great game 17-14:(:banghead:
Yeah, this type of thing is killing the betworks and there football eventually. I didn't want to pay the $250 for the direct tv NFL season ticket and but being a Titans fan/Oilers fan for 30years I am kicking myself now.

[RainMaker]

I've unfortunately had to watch that Arizona game. I have never seen a team straight out play like they don't care. They have zero passion and zero interest in this game.

[SirFozzie]

Can we move the Pats to the NFC west? Please?

*grins*

[Jas_lov]

Big Ben with yet another turnover. He'll probably throw a TD late in the 4th to give them the lead though and the story will be Big Ben does it again, all he does is win football games.

[Alan T]

Go San Diego go!

[SirFozzie]

The blowout chat is on.

[Thomkal]

And its 31-31 in KC

[kcchief19]

Dolphins tied it up at 31. These teams are bound and determined to to make this a 55-52 game.

Sad thing is if the Chiefs weren't turning the ball over, they could be up by 3 or 4 scores. Miami has scores on some short fields and have at times been stymied by the Chiefs defense. Miami hasn't played any defense at all.

[RainMaker]

Kansas City has almost 500 yards with 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

[DeToxRox]

Lions fans chanting for Joey Harrington, who is the Saints 3rd QB

[Jas_lov]

I hope the Saints put up 70 on the Lions. Brees wants that passing record so they'll keep passing. The Packers will have a chance for history next week.

[Galaril]

Wow what a game in Tennessee. The titans went for a 4 and 3 at the Steelers 25 yard line and got a12 yard pass . Then with a 4 and 1 atthe Steeler 4 the Titans go for a field goal but the Steelers are called for unsportsman like conduct by calling fake hike/snap count signals so the Titans get the ball again first and goal. Titans TD! Titans 24-14.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Possibly the most ridiculous call I've ever seen in the PIT-TEN game.

TEN lines up for a short FG attempt. Before the ball is even snapped, flag thrown, unsportsmanlike call on PIT.

The refs mic hasn't been working all game, but the speculation is one of the interior lineman for PIT was calling out the snap count, in hopes to getting one of the TEN lineman to jump.

I'll assume that Simms and Nantz are correct in that (I know, a stretch) and that it's in the rulebook.

If it is, then I guess it was called correctly. And it is also the saddest rule I think I've ever heard of.

Edit to add: What Galaril said.

[Radii]

CHARGERS!!!

[Thomkal]

And Tyler Thigpen has his first career 300 yard passing game. Sadly he picked up his second INT on the day too...

[Neuqua]

I knew I was in trouble in my fantasy championship game when I saw my opponent having Brees and Thomas go against the Lions.

Even in their sucktitude, I hate Detroit.

[Galaril]

Possibly the most ridiculous call I've ever seen in the PIT-TEN game.

TEN lines up for a short FG attempt. Before the ball is even snapped, flag thrown, unsportsmanlike call on PIT.

The refs mic hasn't been working all game, but the speculation is one of the interior lineman for PIT was calling out the snap count, in hopes to getting one of the TEN lineman to jump.

I'll assume that Simms and Nantz are correct in that (I know, a stretch) and that it's in the rulebook.

If it is, then I guess it was called correctly. And it is also the saddest rule I think I've ever heard of.

Edit to add: What Galaril said.

We will take any help we can get:}

[Thomkal]

I've stopped watching the Cards game, but I see from the stats that Leinart is finally in the game and has been sacked twice and the Pats are on the verge of scoring again

[SirFozzie]

yeah, he's fumbled twice. First time the ball just fell out of his hands.

His Helmet communication doesn't work, and he gives the impression that he'd rather be inside sipping hot coacoa

[Alan T]

I've stopped watching the Cards game, but I see from the stats that Leinart is finally in the game and has been sacked twice and the Pats are on the verge of scoring again


He's fumbled the ball several times since coming in. At this point it isn't helping him being in there right now at all.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I knew I was in trouble in my fantasy championship game when I saw my opponent having Brees and Thomas go against the Lions.


You think you got troubles? My son had Warner at QB.

[Jas_lov]

The Pats just kicked a FG to go up by 47. I wish Fox would switch to a better game, but they don't have one! The only other two games on Fox now are SF-STL and NO-DET.

[Thomkal]

that's too bad about Leinart, but really wasn't expecting him to be good in this game coming from Southern California and all. Go to the 3rd stringer if they must but there's no good reason to risj Warner getting injured at this point

[Eaglesfan27]

Thank you, Bolts :)

[RainMaker]

Big Ben looks absolutely horrible.

[molson]

I've been avoiding this thread as I watch Pats/Cards on TIVO delay, but since I saw SirFozzie and DaddyTorgo making all the most recent posts from the main page, I knew things will going really well, or really poorly. :)

I think the Pats are going to miss out at 11-5....Which I have no problem with even if the Chargers get in at 8-8. PLEASE PLEASE NFL do NOT expand the playoffs. Your league structure is PERFECT, and division championships matter.

[Galaril]

yeah, he's fumbled twice. First time the ball just fell out of his hands.

His Helmet communication doesn't work, and he gives the impression that he'd rather be inside sipping hot coacoa

That's not bad Rotheslieshberger has fumbled four times and a interception.

[Jas_lov]

And the Titans put the game away, now switch us to KC-Miami.

[DeToxRox]

Titans rookie DL Jason Jones out of EMU has 4 sacks today. Kid is special.

[Galaril]

Titans rookie DL Jason Jones out of EMU has 4 sacks today. Kid is special.

Yeah we madea big stink with picking in in the 2nd round but I guess that is why the coaches get paid big bucks.

[DaddyTorgo]

I've been avoiding this thread as I watch Pats/Cards on TIVO delay, but since I saw SirFozzie and DaddyTorgo making all the most recent posts from the main page, I knew things will going really well, or really poorly. :)

I think the Pats are going to miss out at 11-5....Which I have no problem with even if the Chargers get in at 8-8. PLEASE PLEASE NFL do NOT expand the playoffs. Your league structure is PERFECT, and division championships matter.

i disagree. the divisional/conference structure is fucking retarded. it's retarded in every sport.

the best teams in the league should make the playoffs. having an 11-5 team miss out (any 11-5 team) while an 8-8 team makes it (any 8-8 team) is fucking stupid and dilutes the meaningfullness of the championship game

[Thomkal]

I see the Pats gave the Cards a mercy TD

[molson]

i disagree. the divisional/conference structure is fucking retarded. it's retarded in every sport.

the best teams in the league should make the playoffs. having an 11-5 team miss out (any 11-5 team) while an 8-8 team makes it (any 8-8 team) is fucking stupid and dilutes the meaningfullness of the championship game

Win your division or face the consequences - I love that setup but understand your point.

Division teams face each other twice a year no matter what - I love that those games matter more than any others. It's good for divisional rivalries and good for the NFL. But I know Kraft has a lot of sway amongst owners, and I'm afraid we'll see a 16-team playoffs soon. Which would suck. .500 would get you in most years, no matter what. And there would be no first-round-bye advantage for the best teams. The football regular season would mean a hell of a lot less.

[Galaril]

Titans 83 yd. interception TD Titans 31-14 game. The First time in Titans Oilers history that they have had the number seed. I know it doesn' tmean much but still to do it against our old time rivals from the 70s it is quite sweet(sorry FOFC STEELER FANS)

[DaddyTorgo]

i don't want to see expanded playoffs either. i just want to see the teams with the best records make it in. same in every sport (nfl, mlb, nba, nhl, mls)

[RainMaker]

i disagree. the divisional/conference structure is fucking retarded. it's retarded in every sport.

the best teams in the league should make the playoffs. having an 11-5 team miss out (any 11-5 team) while an 8-8 team makes it (any 8-8 team) is fucking stupid and dilutes the meaningfullness of the championship game

At the same time, the divisional structure sets up great rivalries. But I understand what you're saying. It's disappointing to see a solid 11-5 or 10-6 team not make the playoffs while trash like the Cardinals get in. Not sure what you can do about it though. Making it strictly based on record in a conference would put less meaning on a lot of games.

[molson]

i don't want to see expanded playoffs either. i just want to see the teams with the best records make it in. same in every sport (nfl, mlb, nba, nhl, mls)

I definitely think the six-division setups of the NHL and NBA suck.....I say put it back to 4 divisions, and make those division championships matter.

In the NFL though, with far fewer games, I like the setup and the emphasis of winning your division.

[Jas_lov]

They should NOT expand the NFL playoffs. The NBA playoffs is a joke and that's what the NFL would become. This year there will be 10-6 teams that are left out while the Cards and AFC West winner may be 8-8, that's just the way it is. The division games are usually the best and I don't want to water those down. It's fine the way it is.

[Thomkal]

wow KC recovers a Miami fumble late in the game, and still has a chance to win

[Jas_lov]

Pending the review. Looks like Ricky was down.

[Thomkal]

ugh and cbs has to pull out of showing the finish due to NFL rules. :(

[DeToxRox]

Awful call in the Miami game. Clearly Ricky was down on that play.

[Kodos]

Looks like it won't matter. Nice to see the Dolphins make it to 10 wins after a season with 1.

[Thomkal]

well that was anticlimatic. 3 incomplete passes than an INT. :(

[molson]

What an incredible story in Miami....As a Pats fan, I've come to grips with 11-5 and missing out on the playoffs - it's still a success, considering all the injuries.

[Alan T]

Turner TD Falcons!

[GrantDawg]

Falcons puts together a good drive to take the lead on the Vikes. Come on, birds!

[Alan T]

i don't want to see expanded playoffs either. i just want to see the teams with the best records make it in. same in every sport (nfl, mlb, nba, nhl, mls)

Only sounds good to me if there is a balanced schedule. In the NFL for instance, if you were to do this, every team would need to face every other team in their conference and that would mean no more NFC vs AFC regular season games. Otherwise you would have people with unbalanced records (ie: more wins against easier competition).

I personally don't mind how it is now in the NFL. I agree that the NBA and NHL have way too many playoff teams, and I also think the MLB in the last 10 years have gone that route also. The NFL is the only ones left with a decent playoff structure left.

[Jas_lov]

Exactly. The AFC East has gotten to play the AFC West and NFC West this year. That's not really fair to the AFC North and South if you're giving the playoff spots to the best records. You'd have to take away the AFC-NFC games or divisional games to make it fair, and that's just wrong.

[Alan T]

The touchdown was nice, but the Falcons need to stop the Vikings also.

[Suburban Rhythm]

PING stevew

At least we had a Lord Tyrone sighting.

[Buccaneer]

There's a couple of Bolts games that I wish had gone from L to W, they would be in good shape now. But they will fall short.

[GrantDawg]

The touchdown was nice, but the Falcons need to stop the Vikings also.

Yeah, that would be handy. We definitely know which side of the ball they still need help on.

[JonInMiddleGA]

no more NFC vs AFC regular season games.

Not sure I'd really mind that.

[Alan T]

Falcons punt, and the Vikings returner fumbles.. nice fumble recovery for the Falcons

[GrantDawg]

Falcons punt, and the Vikings returner fumbles.. nice fumble recovery for the Falcons


Did you here that they are working on the record for least punt return yardage allowed? That's interesting.

[Alan T]

Norwood, TD Falcons!

[Alan T]

Did you here that they are working on the record for least punt return yardage allowed? That's interesting.

Yeah, was kind of ironic, the announcers were commenting that their aim for the record wasn't that good as if they likely wouldn't accomplish it.. right before forcing the fumble :)

[RedKingGold]

Eagles-Redskins - Zorn makes a horrible decision to go for a 54-yard field goal in the wind. Needless to say, it's hella short and Demps returns it back to the 50-yard line.

The Skin's should've just taken a knee.

[Alan T]

Adrian Peterson fumbles, and Falcons recovers it again.

The Falcons appear to be completely unable to stop the Vikings offense right now, but the turnovers are just killing Minnesota

[Jas_lov]

Vikings are shooting themselves in the foot.

In the Jets game, Favre is trying to lose it but Seattle is atrocious.

[EagleFan]

Eagles are playing very frustrating today. They have a chance to determine their own fate and instead they are playing like it's a preseason game so far.

[gstelmack]

On the playoff bit, the real issue here is the Pats lost to the teams they played in the AFC while feasting on the NFC teams, while the Jets and 'phins won in the AFC while losing to the NFC, and that appears to be the tiebreaker issue the Pats are facing.

The real enemies in all this are:

- The Pats defense that has cost them a few games, including the first one against the 'phins that should have made all this moot.
- The Bills coaching staff for calling a Losman rollout, and Losman for not getting rid of the freaking ball in a game where all you have to do is sit on it to win, instead of handing the Jets a free victory that kept them in it.
- A Cowboys team with their playoff life on the line unable to stop a simple run up the middle, which would have kept Baltimore out of the tiebreaker picture.

But mostly the Pats' defense who blew a couple of games. They play like the Pats' defense of old, we're not worried about tiebreakers for the division.

[Alan T]

Another Peterson fumble recovered by the Falcons. Looked like a muffed communication between Jackson and Peterson on the ball handoff

[DaddyTorgo]

Adrian Peterson - your NFL leading rusher - ROTFLMAO

[Jas_lov]

LOL! AP fumbles again! Falcons better capitalize on this one.

[GrantDawg]

Peterson loses it again! Good thing, too, because the defense looks lost.

[Jas_lov]

There's still hope, Patriots fans. Seattle is up 7-3.

[Alan T]

Another VIkings fumble recovered by the Falcons. That is the only way we're winning this one because the defense is not stopping anyone.

[GrantDawg]

What in the heck is going on with Minnesota? They are dominating offensively, except they put the ball on the ground at the end of every drive. Whatever, we'll take it!

[Jas_lov]

Buffalo has tied Denver. It would be an epic collapse if Denver missed the playoffs as the Chargers were dead. Amazing that San Diego might control its own fate at home next week if Buffalo pulls it out.

[Alan T]

Vikings in shotgun, the snapper hikes it about 10 yards over Jackson's head... sheesh.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Did the Lions release a bunch of players just in time for the Vikings to pick them up for this 4pm game?

[DaddyTorgo]

what's the nfl record for fumbles in a game?

[Alan T]

Other than the first drive, the Falcons offense hasn't been that great. Only 17 points to show for all of these turnovers. Atlanta's average start of scrimmage has to be somewhere around the 40 yardline.

[Alan T]

what's the nfl record for fumbles in a game?


Has to be something ridiculous. I remember watching Farve once have like 5-6 fumbles in a game.

[GrantDawg]

Matt Ryan shows the Vikings how to fumble!

[DaddyTorgo]

wtf was matty thinking there??? jeezus!!!!

[Alan T]

Other than the first drive, the Falcons offense hasn't been that great. Only 17 points to show for all of these turnovers. Atlanta's average start of scrimmage has to be somewhere around the 40 yardline.

Nevermind, looks like they've gotten their running game established again on this drive.

On a related subject, I like Ryan alot at QB, I like the poise that he has for a younger player. I think his receivers are helping him out alot on some of these throws though, he is leaving them in situations to take big hits at times. That is something that he will improve on with time which makes me think he will be an excellent QB...


As I type this.. TD Falcons on a Ryan scramble, helicopter flip at the goal line and fumble.. Not sure how Falcons recovered it though since it seemed to bounce to two different Vikings players

[Jas_lov]

Matt Ryan is so good. Even when he fumbles his team scores.

[Alan T]

I see now, the Vikings players all let the ball just bounce through their Arms.. and the Falcons swarmed it for the TD... great replay!

[mckerney]

Meh, with Jackson at QB and down 17 this one's over.

[Jas_lov]

At least this makes tomorrow night's game more interesting. I'd like to see the Packers crush the Bears playoff hopes. With this loss, the Vikings may need to beat the Giants next week to get in. Problem is, the Giants will be locked into the 1 or 2 seed and won't have anything to play for.

[gstelmack]

There's still hope, Patriots fans. Seattle is up 7-3.

The problem is they need to turn around and beat Miami next week. I'm not so certain of that. Right now I think Miami has the inside track to the division and the playoffs.

[Jas_lov]

Yep, but it's in New York at least. The Jets have looked terrible for weeks now. The Dolphins are the favorites, but this pretty much knocks the Jets out if they end up losing. Patriots fans now must root for the Jets, that's gotta hurt.

[EagleFan]

Come on Reid, back to passing every freaking down? Didn't you learn anything from that win streak when you were RUNNING the damn ball?

[mckerney]

My goodness Jackson is hopeless when there aren't 8 in the box and he can't dump the ball off.

[Radii]

This Buffalo/Denver game is awesome. Buffalo just scored to go up 30-23 with 8:54 left in the game.

[terpkristin]

The Iggles are playing icky football. And the 'Skins are playing football I haven't seen from them in quite a few weeks.

/tk

[EagleFan]

Dammit!!!! When was their last freaking running play?

[EagleFan]

If they lose this game Reid shouldn't even get on the bus. Since Westbrook's long gain there have been 12 consecutive pass plays that have netted about 15 yards.

[Radii]

Cutler throws an INT, Buffalo ball with 5:35 left, starting at their own 2 yard line.

[Eaglesfan27]

This Eagle game has been incredibly frustrating.

[Alan T]

Ugh. Falcons have to depend on their defense to hold the Vikings from another score in 2:22 left

[JonInMiddleGA]

Falcons another three & out, will have to punt to the Vikings with 2:22 left and only a 24-17 lead for Atlanta.

[Alan T]

Peterson another fumble!!

[Alan T]

Bah.. saying Vikings recovered it.

[Jas_lov]

The Vikings will actually have a chance to tie this up. It's up to the Falcons defense against Tavaris Jackson as AP almost loses another fumble.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Damn

[EagleFan]

This Eagle game has been incredibly frustrating.

Tell me about it...

:banghead:

[RainMaker]

I can't believe the Vikings have a shot to tie this up. They have been so horrendous and done everything to give the Falcons the win.

[Radii]

Denver has a first down at the Buffalo 20 with 1:15 left.

[RainMaker]

Arthur Blank is the creepiest looking owner in football.

[Eaglesfan27]

Come on Jackson.. make a play!

[Alan T]

Wow.. what a waste of their last timeout

[mckerney]

Calling a timeout there? Really?

[Jas_lov]

So are the Eagles out if they lose today? Tampa plays the Raiders and I can't envision the Bucs losing. Dallas wins and they're in, Tampa and Eagles win, and Tampa is in. Philly, NY Jets, and Denver all might lay eggs this afternoon against medicore competition.

[Alan T]

Jackson forced into a fumble in an almost sack, but vikings recover again

[mckerney]

If the Giants decide to play next week the Bears control their own destiny. No way Jackson can lead the team to victory against a team with a pass rush like New York has.

[GrantDawg]

Ummmm....that might have been a PI, but I'll take it. PLAYOFFS BABY!!!!!!

[Alan T]

Falcons hold them.. Which should be enough to win the game and send us to the playoffs..

Atlanta didn't look great today, definitely not like an elite NFC team, so I don't know how far into the playoffs they will go. I am hoping right now that Atlanta somehow draws Arizona in the first round.

Still, what a remarkable turn around season for the Falcons.. but even better yet is a great outlook for the future and what might come down the road. Have some serious defense issues that need to be addressed, but the core pieces look to be in place for many years.

[Eaglesfan27]

We need an official review... and we need the Pittsburgh review crew.

[DeToxRox]

Oh darn, the Eagles aren't going to the playoffs.

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's a game of inches.

[Jas_lov]

The Eagles come up 1 yard short. Andy Reid has likely lost his job if the Eagles can't sneak into the playoffs. I think Dallas now controls their own destiny since they beat Tampa head to head, but I could be wrong.

[bhlloy]

Bit of a strange route to break off a foot short of the end zone. Great finish though.

[Dr. Sak]

The Eagles have no one to blame but themselves...dropped passes...horrible passes...dropped Ints. They piss me off.

[Buccaneer]

Congrats to the Falcons, what a great story.

I never, ever thought the Bolts would be playing for the division title next week,

[Jas_lov]

I think this year, the 5 and 6 seeds in both leagues will be the favorites over the 3 and 4 seeds. The Colts will play the AFC West winner and Baltimore the AFC East winner. Atlanta will play Arizona and Dallas/Tampa will play Minnesota. I could see NE/Miami beating Baltimore, but the others I think will be 1 and done.